'Fit note' system to be rolled out in April

View more vacanices

Search for a Job

Find Jobs in London

Find Jobs in Hertfordshire

Candidate Login

Your Feedback

No Placement No Fee

Our service doesn't cost you a penny unless we find you the right candidate

Get your free copy of New Recruit the industries monthly newsletter

'Fit note' system to be rolled out in April

Latest Recruitment News - HR and Recruitment Legislation News

Written by DirectNews Feed

Monday, 15 February 2010 00:00

'Fit note' system to be rolled out in April

Employees in 40+ jobs in the City of London will be required to provide a 'fit note', rather than a sick note, to cover their absences in the near future.

The government has revealed that its Statement of Fitness for Work initiative will be up and running from April 6th 2010 following a consultation on the issue.

Under the new programme, doctors asked to provide a letter explaining the reasons for absence and the length of time that staff in 40+ jobs should remain away from the workplace will face a number of changes.

Rather than simply stating whether or not an employee is fit and healthy or not, GPs will instead be required to issue advice which could facilitate a member of staff's return to work.

Telephone consultations will also be made an acceptable form of assessment under the new measures.

The system was unveiled in May 2009, when work and pensions minister Lord Bill McKenzie said: "We recognise how important it is to help people who are sick to stay in work or get back to work quickly - the new fit note will help do just that." ADNFCR-3012-ID-19615512-ADNFCR